Ina Garten’s Fluffy Cranberry Muffins Recipe for Breakfast Joy

Ina Garten cranberry muffins burst with tangy sweetness and a tender, light crumb that transforms ordinary breakfast moments into something special.

Seasonal fruit adds vibrant color and bright flavor to these classic morning treats.

Rich ingredients combine to create a delightful pastry that feels both comforting and elegant.

Each muffin promises a perfect balance between soft texture and zesty fruit notes.

The recipe reflects garten’s signature approach of using simple, high-quality components to craft memorable dishes.

Bakers of all skill levels can successfully prepare these delectable treats with confidence.

The inviting aroma will fill your kitchen with warmth and anticipation: gather your ingredients and let’s bake!

Why Ina Garten’s Cranberry Muffins Are a Holiday Hit

• Burst with Festive Flavor: These cranberry muffins deliver a perfect balance of sweet and tart, making them an ideal treat for holiday mornings or cozy weekend breakfasts.
• Foolproof Baking Experience: The simple mixing method means even novice bakers can create bakery-quality muffins with minimal effort and maximum confidence.
• Texture Triumph: Expect a tender, moist crumb that's complemented by juicy bursts of cranberries and a delightful crunch from the sparkling sugar topping.
• Quick Breakfast Hero: From start to finish, these muffins take just 35 minutes to prepare, making them a speedy solution for busy mornings or unexpected guests.

Ingredient List for Cranberry Muffins from Ina

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the base structure and texture for the muffins, choose unbleached flour for best results.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning, white sugar works perfectly.
• Baking Powder: Helps the muffins rise and become light and fluffy.
• Baking Soda: Assists with leavening and helps balance the acidity of the cranberries.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together, whole milk provides richness.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help with binding the muffin batter.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the muffins moist and tender, neutral-flavored oil works best.
• Almond Extract: Adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the cranberries.

• Cranberries, Sparkling Sugar: Fresh or frozen cranberries add tartness and bright color, while sparkling sugar creates a delightful crunchy top.

Making Cranberry Muffins the Garten Way

Step 1: Preheat And Prepare

Warm the oven to 350°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin pan or line with paper liners.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Step 3: Mix Wet Components

• Almond extract
• Whole milk
• Large eggs
• Vegetable oil

Step 4: Incorporate Cranberries

Gently fold fresh or frozen cranberries into the batter, ensuring even distribution.

Step 5: Fill And Decorate Muffin Tins

Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle coarse sparkling sugar on top of each muffin.

Step 6: Bake To Golden Perfection

Place muffin pan in preheated oven. Bake for 24-26 minutes until tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool And Serve

Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to complete cooling. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Helpful Cranberry Muffin Tips

• Prevent Cranberry Sinking: Toss cranberries in a light dusting of flour before adding to the batter to help them stay suspended evenly during baking.
• Mix with Gentle Hands: Stir ingredients minimally to maintain a tender, soft muffin texture that melts in your mouth.
• Berry Versatility: Fresh cranberries offer bright, tangy bursts of flavor, while frozen berries work perfectly when fresh aren't available.
• Customize Sweetness: Balance the tartness of cranberries by adjusting sugar levels to match your taste preferences.
• Perfect Baking Indicator: A clean or nearly clean toothpick signals that your muffins are baked to golden, delicious perfection.

Best Ways to Store Ina Garten’s Cranberry Muffins

• Counter Method: Let freshly baked muffins cool completely on a wire rack before storing. Protect them from moisture and air by placing in a ceramic or glass container with a tight-fitting lid. These containers help maintain the muffins' original texture and prevent them from becoming soggy or stale.
• Freezer Method: Wrap each muffin separately in parchment paper or plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Stack wrapped muffins inside a freezer-safe zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date and contents to track freshness. When ready to enjoy, thaw muffins at room temperature for about 1 hour or warm gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
• Refrigerator Method: While not ideal for maintaining optimal texture, you can store muffins in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Festive Variations for Ina Garten’s Cranberry Muffins

• Berry Bliss Muffins: Swap cranberries with a mix of fresh blueberries and raspberries for a colorful and sweet variation that bursts with summer flavors.
• Nutty Cranberry Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter and sprinkle some on top for extra texture and a rich, toasted flavor profile.
• Citrus Zest Cranberry Muffins: Incorporate orange or lemon zest into the batter to brighten the cranberry's tartness and add a fresh, aromatic dimension to the classic recipe.
• Spiced Autumn Muffins: Mix in ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves to transform the muffins into a cozy, warm-spiced treat perfect for fall mornings.

Cranberry Muffin Close-Out

Cranberry muffins sparkle with festive charm and homemade warmth.

Ina Garten’s recipe elevates breakfast into a delightful morning celebration.

Almond extract whispers subtle sophistication through each tender crumb.

Cranberries provide tart brilliance against sweet batter’s canvas.

Holiday mornings become magical with these simple yet elegant treats.

You’ll find pure joy in sharing these muffins with friends and family – so snap a photo, share the recipe, and spread deliciousness across your social networks!

Ina Garten Cranberry Muffins Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s cranberry muffins deliver a delightful blend of tart berries and sweet, buttery goodness. Crumbly, golden-brown tops crown these irresistible breakfast treats that promise to make mornings more delicious when shared with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (300 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
• 2 large eggs

Wet Ingredients:

• ¾ cup (180 ml) milk or half and half
• ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• 1 ½ teaspoons almond extract (or substitute vanilla extract)

Dry Ingredients and Toppings:

• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons sparkling sugar, for topping (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and prepare a 12-cup muffin pan by greasing it or lining with paper liners.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
3. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the almond extract, whole milk, large eggs, and vegetable oil.
4. Gently mix the wet and dry ingredients with a whisk until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.
5. Carefully fold in the fresh or frozen cranberries, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
6. Divide the batter equally among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
7. Sprinkle coarse sparkling sugar generously on top of each muffin for added texture and sweetness.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Perfectly scattered cranberries create bursts of tangy flavor in every delightful bite.
• Gentle mixing prevents dense, tough textures, keeping muffins light and tender.
• Frozen or fresh berries work wonderfully, bringing vibrant taste and juicy pockets to your treat.
• Customize sweetness levels to match your personal taste preferences and mood.
• Reliable toothpick test guarantees perfectly baked muffins with moist, golden centers.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 200 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg